Nobody can deny how good Shelbourne boss Damien Duff has been for the League of Ireland since taking over at Tolka Park.
The former Ireland international - widely regarded to be one of the country's finest talents - has made a strong transition to life in the dugout.
Duff guided what was then a newly-promoted Shels side to the FAI Cup final in his first season, before causing more disruption in securing European football for the North Dubliners the following year.
They sit top of the table after a stellar start to the current campaign, even in spite of a recent wobble which saw them go five fixtures without a win.
Shelbourne finally arrested that barren run on Friday night, getting the better of St Pat's Athletic 1-0 with John Martin's goal proving the difference.
The win sees them keep a three-point margin over Derry City in second place, with Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians both dropping points.
Damien Duff pulls fan from crowd to make team talk
There were jovial scenes in Tolka Park after full-time as Shelbourne's title charge was reignited with their home fans in full voice.
Duffer opted to bring one supporter even closer to the action, summoning him from the stands and onto the pitch before guiding him arm-in-arm to the team huddle in the centre circle.
26 April 2024; Shelbourne manager Damien Duff pulls supporter Ciaran Harmon out of the crowd to join the team after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Footage shared by Shelbourne on social media shows the supporter link-up with the team, before engaging in a celebratory team talk in the middle of the ground.
Things you love to see ❤️
Duffer pulls a Shels fan from the Riverside to give the post match team talk#DublinsFinest | #RedsTogether pic.twitter.com/bTH0XIU8IC— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) April 26, 2024
The players were in great spirits with the fan who offered his encouragement, before he took to social media himself to share an image of the moment.
Duff was typically pragmatic in his post-match interview however, downplaying the magnitude of the win when asked whether it was a major statement by LOITV.
"It's not a very big one at all," Duff reflected.
"That is the God's honest truth.
26 April 2024; Shelbourne manager Damien Duff and supporter Ciaran Harmon huddle with the team after the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
"It is game four, round two. There is a long way to go. We deserved to win - without being our absolute best I have to say.
"But as for statements... we make statements in round four."
UPDATE: Damien Duff explains fan interaction at Tolka Park
Duff also conducted an interview with Shelbourne's in-house media team, and was asked to explain his interaction with supporter Ciaran Harmon.
𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗳𝗳: “I just want them to know that we need them.”#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/ra5V9iW0Vk
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) April 27, 2024
The ex-Ireland international explained that the move was a gesture to show supporters how important they are to the team cause:
Why did I do it? I heard during the week that there might have been a fans' protest or something tonight.
I just want them to know that we need them. Maybe next time there's going to be a fans' protest, just ring me or something. We'll try and sort this out.
We can't afford for them to have a night off. I can't afford for the players to have a night off, they've had a few recently. We can't afford it, we need them [the fans].
I believe there was one last year...the ground was like a morgue. I was angry coming off the pitch and I only found out after the game it was because of a protest.
We need the whole of Tolka Park bouncing. Maybe you let me know again if there's going to be threats again of this because bloody hell we need the Riverside, we need everyone.
Shelbourne are back in action when they take on Dundalk - who are fresh off a first win under Noel King - at Oriel Park next Friday.
